Seeking a Government Job - How you can Nail Your Cover Letter For Positions With Selection Criteria
YES, you do!
This is because a protective cover letter provides another probability to 'sell' yourself. It provides the chance highlight your achievements and show the business the way your experience and skills can help these to achieve their dreams.
Here's a fairly easy step-by-step guide for writing a protective cover letter for just a role that also includes selection criteria:
Put the career title and vacancy reference number within the date in bold, e.g. Re position: Support services Officer (A03) VRN: 335/06.
Find out of name of your other half who will be reading the application and personally address your letter, checking that you've got the precise spelling and title. (If you can not know the person's name, use 'Good morning' because greeting as opposed to the deadly dull 'Dear Sir or Madam'.)
In the earliest paragraph state where and when you saw the advertisement, the real reason for the letter and what you're really including in your application. e.g. I would like to apply for the location of 'Customer Service Officer' as advertised for the Careerone website on 25 August 2009.
In the other paragraph, state what you will be including as part of your application. e.g. To guide my application, We've included my responses on the selection criteria, a replica of my résumé and three referees who is able to vouch for my work performance.
In your third paragraph, talk about your qualifications, skills and experience to clarify the method that you match the necessities in the position. e.g. I hold a Diploma of Frontline Management and have five years' example of customer satisfaction roles.
In this paragraph, have a a couple of your key achievements and rehearse a quotation from 'secret sales documents like appraisals and written references to build credibility and 'sell' your claims. e.g. My business is positive that We have the relevant skills and experience to generally be an asset on this role. At my last appraisal, my manager states: 'Mary has built strong relationships with these clients, causing a 43% improvement in sales.'
Finish by using a strong close, such as you anticipate to be selected on an interview. e.g. I count on discussing this location along with you within the interview.
For hard copy applications, personally sign your letter and type your company name below your signature. For online applications, you can use a different font to suggest you've signed your letter or employ a digital signature.
Add 'enc.' at the end of the letter. This implies 'enclosure' and it's used in case you are adding other documentation such as a résumé and selection criteria statement.
Proofread for errors in spelling, grammar, typos, cell phone numbers, contact information, postal addresses, job titles, and so on. The application have to be 100% error- free.
Keep the letter to at least one page in length.